There are many popular fountain pen ink manufacturers, each with their own unique history and popular products. Here are some of the most well-known fountain pen ink manufacturers and their most popular products:
Pelikan - Pelikan is a German company that has been producing fountain pen ink since the early 1900s. Their most popular ink product is Pelikan Edelstein, a line of high-quality inks that come in a range of colors. Pelikan Edelstein ink is known for its rich, vibrant colors and smooth flow.
Pilot - Pilot is a Japanese company that produces a range of writing instruments and accessories, including fountain pen ink. Their most popular ink product is Pilot Iroshizuku, a line of high-quality inks that come in a range of colors inspired by nature. Pilot Iroshizuku ink is known for its vibrant colors and excellent shading.
Sailor - Sailor is a Japanese company that has been producing fountain pen ink since the 1950s. Their most popular ink product is Sailor Jentle, a line of inks that come in a range of colors. Sailor Jentle ink is known for its smooth flow and vibrant colors.
Diamine - Diamine is a British company that has been producing fountain pen ink since the early 1900s. Their most popular ink product is Diamine 1864, a line of inks that pay homage to the year the company was founded. Diamine 1864 ink is known for its rich, vibrant colors and excellent shading.
Montblanc - Montblanc is a German company that produces luxury writing instruments and accessories, including fountain pen ink. Their most popular ink product is Montblanc Ink, a line of high-quality inks that come in a range of colors. Montblanc Ink is known for its smooth flow and vibrant colors.
Each of these companies has a unique history and reputation for producing high-quality fountain pen ink. Their most popular ink products are well-regarded by fountain pen enthusiasts for their excellent performance and range of colors.
The ingredients of fountain pen ink can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific ink formula. However, most fountain pen inks typically contain the following basic components:
Dye or pigment - this is the colorant that gives the ink its hue.
Water - this is the solvent that dissolves the dye or pigment and allows it to flow smoothly through a fountain pen.
Surfactants - these are compounds that reduce the surface tension of the ink and help it flow more easily through a fountain pen's feed and nib.
Humectants - these are compounds that help the ink resist drying out, even in low humidity conditions.
Biocides - these are additives that prevent bacterial growth and prolong the life of the ink.
pH adjusters - these are compounds that help regulate the pH of the ink, which can affect its color and performance.
Some manufacturers may also include additional additives or ingredients to give their inks unique properties, such as shading, sheen, or water resistance. It's worth noting that some fountain pen inks may also contain small amounts of alcohol or other solvents, which can affect their performance or compatibility with certain fountain pens.
The pH of fountain pen ink is typically adjusted with acids or bases, depending on the ink formula. Common pH adjusters used in fountain pen inks include acetic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, and ammonium hydroxide.
Biocides are used in fountain pen ink to prevent bacterial growth and to help prolong the life of the ink. The most commonly used biocide in fountain pen ink is 2-phenoxyethanol, which is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Other biocides that are sometimes used in fountain pen ink include methylparaben and propylparaben.
It's worth noting that some fountain pen inks may not contain biocides at all, as the ink formula may be designed to resist bacterial growth without the need for additional additives. Additionally, some fountain pen users prefer to use ink without biocides for personal or environmental reasons.
Fountain pen ink dyes can be sourced from a variety of natural and synthetic sources. Some common sources of dye include:
Synthetic dyes: These are dyes that are made in a laboratory using a variety of chemical processes. They are often used in fountain pen inks because they offer a wide range of colors and properties that can be tailored to specific ink formulations.
Natural dyes: These are dyes that are extracted from plants, animals, or other natural sources. Common natural dyes used in fountain pen ink include indigo, henna, and cochineal.
Iron gall ink: This is a type of ink that is made by combining tannin from oak galls with iron salts. The resulting ink is a dark blue-black color and is known for its durability and resistance to fading.
In terms of global sales, blue-black ink is one of the most popular colors among fountain pen users, followed by black, blue, and red. However, the popularity of specific ink colors can vary depending on the region and cultural preferences. For example, in Japan, green and gray inks are more popular than in other regions, while in China, red and gold inks are considered auspicious and are often used for calligraphy and other important documents.